With the World Cup gripping the global attention this summer, the Williamsburg Indoor Sports Complex chose to capitalize on the fervor for its annual Family Festival.
This year’s “Around the World Cup” theme event comes to the WISC from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
With youth and adult leagues, soccer is already a large part of WISC’s business, said Chris Scrofani, WISC vice president and general manager.
“It obviously took hold of the world for a month there,” he said. “What better theme to have than to follow that lead.”
In its eighth year, the Family Festival got started as a way to connect with the community on a large scale. Beyond the regular customers the WISC sees, the events increased its exposure while also giving back with activities for children and families.
“We see families and kids on a weekly basis, but to have a huge amount of the membership that we have and the community participating in something one morning is fantastic,” Scrofani said.
The program takes on a new theme every year, and in his eyes has only gotten bigger and better with time.
“It’s a very positive and just enjoyable event for everybody,” he said. “We all take a lot of pride in it and we look forward to it every year. It really makes you feel like you’re doing something good for the community.”
This year, the international soccer theme has influenced the festival’s activities – guests can kick their way through a soccer obstacle course or compete in a penalty kick shootout – as well as the decorations and giveaways. Children who visit a designated number of stations throughout the event will also earn a soccer-related prize.
Almost all the elements of the festival are free for visitors.
“That’s what we want to do for the community,” Scrofani said.
Also part of the festival is the Mad Dash 5k and Fun Run, which benefits Child Development Resources. Registration and packet pickup starts at 6:30 a.m., with the 1-mile Fun Run at 7:30 a.m. and the 5k at 8 a.m.
For more information, visit the WISC website.
